DTE Energy completes environmental upgrades to Monroe plant

DTE Energy’s Monroe coal-fired power plant is now one of the cleanest in the US, following the completion of a project to install selective catalytic reduction and flue gas desulferisation systems to reduce NOx, SOx and mercury emissions.

“The Monroe power plant is a cornerstone of DTE Energy’s generating fleet, said Frank Warren, vice president of fossil generation at the utility. “The start up of the last selective catalytic reduction system helps us reach our goal of making one of the largest coal-fired plants also one of the cleanest.”

Since 2000, DTE has invested almost US$2 billion on environmental upgrades at the plant, which is the fifth largest in the US. The new systems now reduce NOx emissions by 90%, SOx by 97% - and also eliminate 75 – 90% of mercury emissions.

"It is an exciting time in the industry and the emission controls we have put in place are world class," said Skiles Boyd, DTE Energy vice president of environmental management and resources. "This allows DTE to continue giving our customers reliable, affordable energy while minimising any impact on the environment”

DTE Energy provides electricity for 2.1 million customers in southeastern Michigan and natural gas to 1.2 million people across the state. The company also owns non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage and energy marketing and trading.